foundation of nursing questions and answers Related

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A school nurse is caring for a child who appears to be having an allergic response. What should be the initial action of the school nurse?

  • A. Assess for signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis.
  • B. Assess for erythema and urticaria.
  • C. Administer an OTC antihistamine.
  • D. Administer epinephrine.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct initial action for the school nurse is to assess for signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis (Choice A). This is crucial as anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening and requires immediate intervention. Assessing for anaphylaxis symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, and a rapid pulse helps the nurse quickly identify the severity of the situation. Administering OTC antihistamines (Choice C) or epinephrine (Choice D) should only be done after confirming the presence of anaphylaxis. Assessing for erythema and urticaria (Choice B) is important but not as immediate as assessing for signs of anaphylaxis in this scenario.